October 15, 2006

Be Honest - Darren Andrew

This is an interview with Darren Andrew, HR Manager at Agency Republic and is entirely focused on his opinions on grads and what they can do to improve their chances of getting a job.

It's a long one but well worth the read. This man knows his stuff.

As always, I would appreciate your thoughts and comments, and any questions you might have for Darren let me know and I can pass them on.

What can someone do to improve their chances of getting a job?

Personalise who you contact - address your letter to someone, not just the HR manager. The name might not be on the website but with some digging you should be able to find it out. It's worth the effort.

Don't just pick up the phone and leave a bland message asking the HR manager to call you back - they don't need you, it's you who needs them.

Also, do your research. On the agency, on their clients, on the industry sector.

The extra effort is worth the pay-off.

What other things can contribute to improving chances of getting a job?

If you fit with the culture of the agency, that is half the battle. But fitting in with the culture is the one thing you can't prepare for. The only option is to be yourself - be honest, don't try and be the kind of person you think they want, cos you'll either do badly and not get the job, or get away with it and start working at an agency that you won't like because deep down you don't fit with their culture!

Be persistent - Keep in touch. Once you have opened a channel of communication with an agency keep it open. Let them know what you are doing, send your contact news stories, articles etc they might find interesting. But for christ's sake make sure they are interesting!

The thing is, a lot of agencies don't run grad schemes - and they never know when they might need a grad. So keeping yourself in the mind of the HR manager just in case an opportunity arises is always a good idea.

What do you like to see in a candidate?

Honesty. When you write an email or a letter or your cv, be honest about yourself and why you are applying.

If you don't have much relevant work experience, own up to it, be honest about it - don't try and cover it up with an elaboration of your time as a barman in Magaluf. (Or make up a lot of stuff and make a video, like Aleksey Vayner - See 'How not to get a job' post)

An honest passion for the job you are applying for goes a long way. if your honesty is backed up by a passion and an active interest that's much better than trying to blag.

What do candidates spend a lot of time on that is in fact a bit of a waste of time?

Mentioning work experience that isn't relevant to the position they are applying for. I love CVs that are informative but not over the top.

OK, hopefully that's been useful - let me know if it was or wasn't, and how I could improve what this site offers. Also if there is something you would specifically like to know, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do.